Restaurant bread is generally high in calories and low in fiber – it will not fill you up as much as other foods. Also, we tend not to really “count” the bread we eat before our meals as part of our dinner, and this can lead to overeating.

Consider some strategies for reducing the breadbasket’s effect on your diet: Ask for the breadbasket to be half filled, or take just one item and then have the waiter remove the basket. Avoid butter and even olive oil – they add unwanted calories. Or just ask your waiter not to bring the basket at all.

The typical restaurant customer eats at least two breadbasket items per meal, which runs you at least 300 calories each time you go out. It’s estimated that 40% of people eat out at least three times per week. Think about those business lunches with clients or meals at family restaurants on the weekend – that’s a lot of bread. Try multiplying the number of breadbaskets you come in contact with each month by 300 calories, and enjoy the savings in turning them away.